We recently held our inaugural RunSignup University. The two day event gave attendees an opportunity to deepen their product knowledge and get the most out of RunSignup. Being there in person was certainly the best way to learn the most, but seats were limited and not everyone who wanted to attend was able to.
With that in mind, we’re sharing some of the best bits from RunSignup University in weekly installments and giving access to full presentations for those interested in doing a little self-guided learning.
Think of it like an independent study course, minus the quizzes and mandatory advisor meetings.
Email V2
In an era dominated by social media and instant messaging, it’s easy to overlook the enduring power of email. However, when it comes to event marketing, email remains a cornerstone of successful campaigns.
With that in mind, this week’s independent study course is all about Email V2. The in-depth presentation was put together by our very own Val Lofton. In it you can learn how Email V2 works, some of the top features, and some tips on when to send emails for your event.
You can access the presentation in its entirety by clicking the button below.
Read on to see our recap and get the highlights from the presentation.
Why is email important?
Email may not be on the cutting edge of tech, but it’s still incredibly important for a lot of industries. And the endurance world is certainly one of them. In fact, in a 2023 case study, we found that a remarkable 29% of race registrations directly resulted from RunSignup emails. And 17% of all transactions on RunSignup came directly from emails sent from the platform.
Below are just a few more reasons why we think email is a worthwhile investment for all races:
- Re-engage Past Participants – One of the most effective ways to leverage email is by reconnecting with past participants. These individuals have already demonstrated interest in your event, making them prime targets for future registrations. By sending targeted emails with exclusive offers, event updates, and reminders of their past experiences, you can reignite their enthusiasm and encourage them to return.
- Encourage Word-of-Mouth Marketing – Satisfied participants are your most valuable advocates. Email provides a direct channel to harness their enthusiasm and encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Share their success stories, include social sharing buttons, and offer incentives for referrals to amplify your reach and attract new participants.
- Provide Time-Based Calls to Action – Create a sense of urgency and drive immediate action by incorporating time-based calls to action into your email campaigns. Whether it’s an early bird discount, limited spots available, or a registration deadline, email is an effective tool to communicate these incentives and motivate sign-ups.
- Let Participants Know What to Expect/ Cut Back on Customer Service – Clear and informative emails can significantly reduce the volume of customer service inquiries. By providing detailed information about event logistics, race packet pickup procedures, and frequently asked questions, you empower participants to find answers independently. This not only saves time and resources but also enhances the overall participant experience.
Email V2 Features
Our Email V2 builder is designed to make creating professional and engaging email campaigns effortless.
Drag and drop builder
The drag-and-drop interface lets you easily construct your email layout without any coding knowledge.
Customizable Templates
Choose from a variety of pre-built templates or start from scratch to create a unique design that aligns with your event branding. For advanced users, HTML customization is also available. If you make a design you’re particularly fond of, you can save it as a custom template for future use.
Personalization with Replacement Tags
Add a personal touch to your emails by using replacement tags to insert dynamic content such as participant names, check-in QR codes, bib numbers, and fundraiser information. Tags are already set up out-of-the-box, you just have to add them at the place of your choosing.
Engaging Visuals
Enhance your email’s impact with high-quality images and videos. Our built-in photo library offers a vast selection of images, or you can upload your own visuals. Having images helps emails be more dynamic and engaging for viewers.
Automated Email Campaigns
Save time and increase efficiency with automated email workflows. Set up reminders for price increases, incomplete registrations, and post-registration follow-ups to stay connected with your audience. Those listed above are pre built in the system, so all you have to do is switch them on, and you’re set.
Moving forward
We hope you found this week’s independent study course worthwhile. If you have any questions, or want to dive deeper into any topic mentioned in this post feel free to contact us at info@runsignup.com. And if you want to make sure you don’t miss a class, feel free to subscribe to our blog below.